A Guide To UK History, Safety & Travel Tips

UK Travel Guide: Key Destinations, Helpful Safety & Travel Tips

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UK

From England and Scotland to Wales and Northern Ireland, the UK is made up of countries that have distinctive landmarks, ties to history and unique cultures - making this holiday a never ending adventure.

With so many landmarks and lesser known gems to explore, it’s important to embark on a trip to the UK well researched and expertly prepared. This way, you can take in the best sights, at the best time of year, for the best prices.

What you can expect when travelling in the UK

When travelling around the UK, no two days are the same. This is somewhat because the weather in the UK can be a little unpredictable. However, it’s mostly because there are so many different sites to take in, historical and otherwise.

Additionally, the four distinct nations of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own vibe. For example, Wales is renowned for its green valleys, Scotland for its community spirit, Northern Ireland for its mountains and England for its ties to history.

While each day in the UK will be filled with different adventures, there are some mainstays that tourists can count on. There will be much talk about the weather, whether the sun is shining or the skies are threatening to open up.

Another constant is food. From fish and chips to stews and a sunday roast, UK cuisine is equal parts hearty and filling. Making it easy to indulge in the best of the best without breaking the bank. Oh, and don’t forget, in the UK the beverage of choice is a nice hot cup of tea!

Key Destinations

With the UK encompassing four very different and equally exciting countries, there are a plethora of key destinations visitors can explore. With this in mind, let's consider the most popular spots in each area of the UK.

England

A visit to England wouldn’t be complete without taking in historic landmarks. From Big Ben and the Tower of London to Stonehenge and Hadrian’s Wall, the historical significance of each site will be apparent from your first view.

For the royalists, England is home to royal residences and buildings associated with the Crown. Open to the public during the summer months, Buckingham Palace is a true bucket list item. For an outdoor adventure, walk the grounds of Kensington Palace and visit the statue of Diana, Princess of Wales. Another must see spot is Westminster Abbey- which has hosted coronations, state funerals and weddings.

England is also home to picturesque landscapes. For those fancying a long drive, visit coastal towns like Brighton, Weymouth and St Ives. To experience a taste of adventure the Lake District is perfect for hiking mountains and sailing through lakes.

Scotland

One of the most popular places to visit in Scotland is the Scottish Highlands. Offering once in a lifetime hiking locations, pristine white sands, castles and deep historical roots, there is nothing quite like Scotland.

Speaking of history, tourists also like to visit the ruins of Urquhart Castle. Meanwhile, movie buffs flock to the Glenfinnan Viaduct to see for themselves where the Hogwarts Express would travel through in the Harry Potter movies.

Wales

Wales is home to many natural wonders such as Snowdonia National Park. Visitors can choose to hike to the top of the mountain or board the mountain railway for ease. Another great park is that of Pembrokeshire National Park which offers coastal activities such as kayaking.

For a dose of history mixed with unparalleled landscapes and views, Wales is home to some of the world’s oldest castles. For the best of the best, visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites Beaumaris Castle and Conwy Castle.

Northern Ireland

Often referred to as the UK’s most underrated capital city, Belfast in Northern Ireland has strong maritime ties. Fun fact: Belfast was the birthplace of the RMS Titanic. With this in mind, consider visiting the Titanic Belfast museum and taking a self-guided tour.

Known for its mountain ranges, Northern Ireland is a great destination for those that like adventures. Offering 10km trails is the Slieve Gullion. The prize at the end? Uninterrupted views and a Bronze-Age tomb. Northern Ireland is also the home of Games of Thrones so tour companies now offer once in a lifetime day trips to visit filming locations.

Getting around the UK: transportation options

The UK has the infrastructure needed to accommodate a range of different transport options. From flying and driving to taking the train and hopping on the bus, there are travel means to align with everyone’s budget and time constraints.

In terms of fast long distance travel the two best options are trains and planes. While buses will be more cost effective, long distance buses known as coaches in the UK can be quite time consuming modes of transport.

With the train, passengers can choose from anytime, off peak and advanced tickets. While more expensive, it’s important to note that trains will be more comfortable and, in terms of time spent travelling, more efficient.

When travelling from country to country, consider hopping on a plane. While the UK doesn’t have a large network of domestic flights, there are numerous options for flying between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The UK is home to many different remote locations. One of the best ways to reach these destinations is by car. Having your own mode of transport offers both flexibility and independence and as such, will come at a cost. Remember to plan your route in advance to avoid any surprises, and ensure that you’re familiar with UK driving laws and road signs before setting off on your adventure. Renting a car and hitting the road can truly open up a new and exciting dimension to your UK exploration, making your trip a truly unforgettable experience.

The best time to visit the UK

When it comes to the best time to visit the UK, it really boils down to two key points. Firstly, the time of the year. Secondly, the weather. These two things are considered separately due to the fact that when the UK is experiencing peak weather conditions, it’s also experiencing peak tourist numbers.

Time of the year

As the UK is a tourist hotspot, you need to consider the time of your travel when planning your adventure. This is because tourist numbers will affect everything from crowd sizes to the price you pay for experiences, food and drinks, travel and accommodation.

Summer is often the busiest time for the UK. Crowds will flock to England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to experience the landmarks and a taste of British culture while the sun is shining.

This means that between the months of June and September crowds will be large, wait times for tours and to enter museums will be long and prices will be high. For example, budget hotels can start at ￡60 ($115 AUD) per night in off peak seasons such as May. Whereas in peak seasons such as July, the price can rise to ￡120 ($230) each night.

The weather

While the UK has a temperate climate, the word that perfectly encapsulates the weather is unpredictable. Summer days can be rainy and all around dreary while winter days can see sunshine and clear skies.

From March to June- the UK’s spring- visitors can expect varying days weather wise. The sun can appear before quickly being replaced by rain and wind. The drawcard for spring is the fact that the vast landscape really starts to burst with colour.

Late June to September is the UK’s summer. The sunniest parts typically are along the coast. However, it’s important to note that you’re never going to get consistently warm and sunny weather.

Autumn lasts from September to December and offers similar conditions to spring. If you’re lucky, early autumn can feel like an extended summer thanks to warm days. If you’re unlucky, early autumn might see the premature arrival of winter and the associated cold, wind and rain.

Finally, December to March marks the winter season. While this period in the UK is typically characterised as dark, cold and dreary, the upside is the arrival of Christmas markets and a good excuse to drink warm mulled wine.

The cost of travelling in the UK

The UK is a great tourist destination that attracts people from all around the world. Part of the appeal is that travellers can visit the UK and have a great time whether operating on a strict or more flexible budget.

The cost of travel of course starts with the airfare. In off peak times, Australians can generally fly to the UK for around $2,000 return. In peak times, this cost typically rises to over $2,500 return depending on the airline, and the amount of stops you’d take to get there.

In terms of accommodation, the average price paid for one person is ￡76 ($146) and for two people,￡152 ($292).

The UK has a great food and drink scene. For Australians, indulging in a great meal or warm beer costs 17% less than it does at home. As an example, a pint is ￡5.20 ($10 AUD) and a fish and chip dinner can be as good as ￡10 ($19 AUD).

When travelling the UK, you also need to take into account public transport costs. Tourists can purchase a Visitor Oyster Card to board London trains for￡2.50 ($4.80).

For those wanting to touch remote corners of the UK with the help of a hire car, typically multi-day hires range between ￡20 ($38.45) and ￡30 ($57.65) per day.

Staying safe in the UK: important safety information

The UK is typically classified by government bodies as a safe place to visit. As such, the risk of violent crime is low. However, tourists should still be on alert, particularly around high traffic areas where pickpockets can tend to run amok.

With this in mind, there are some general tips for staying safe while in the UK:

Plan your journey
Remain alert
Keep up to date with health regulations and guidelines
Walk down brightly lit and busy paths
Travel in groups where possible
Make sure your high-value items are insured

Emergency numbers and safety contacts

Consular services can be provided to Australians visiting the UK by calling 020 7887 5776.

If facing an emergency while in the UK, dial 999 for assistance.

In a non-emergency situation, dial 101.

Local laws of the UK: what travellers need to know

When visiting different locations around the world it’s important to be aware of their rules and regulations. This way you can ensure compliance and avoid run-ins with local law enforcement.

Local laws dictate that, among other things:

People in the UK drive on the left side of the road
The legal drinking age is 18
The legal smoking age is 18
It’s an offence to carry a knife on your person
Hate crimes are a criminal offence

Currency in the UK

When dealing with British currency, travellers need to be aware of a few key points. Firstly, there are banknotes. Secondly, there are pence that locals refer to as pee. Lastly, there are pounds that locals simply call, quid.

Before listing the denominations, it’s important to start with the fact that there are 100 pence (p) to the pound (￡). With this in mind, coins range from 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p and 50p to ￡1 and ￡2.

In terms of bank notes, there are ￡5, ￡10, ￡20 and ￡50 denominations with the￡5 and

￡10 notes commonly referred to as a fiver and a tenner by locals.

Safeguard your journey: travel insurance tips

Travelling around the UK is a bucket list item for most. From getting to visit the gates outside Buckingham Palace to walking around the Welsh countryside, most travellers meticulously plan a UK adventure.

While planning is a good way to start any adventure, sometimes the unexpected happens. You could be ready to board a connecting flight to Scotland and your luggage goes missing. You might be exploring Northern Ireland and lose your passport.

Unplanned situations can be at best, disruptive and at worst, quite serious. One way to prepare for the unexpected is to have travel insurance. While travel insurance won’t stop situations from arising, it can provide coverage.

Protecting against a variety of situations from personal injury to stolen or lost baggage items, travel insurance can help travellers on their UK holiday. To get the best deal possible, look into our different coverage options.

A great UK adventure

Touching down in the UK marks the start of a great adventure. Whether sticking to England or travelling around Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, there is something for every kind of traveller to enjoy.

History buffs will take great pleasure in the array of historic landmarks dotted across the UK. Thrill seekers will enjoy trekking along the seemingly endless green valleys. Those who like a relaxing holiday will take pleasure in strolling through the traditional towns and greeting locals.

With something for everyone, the UK is a tourist hotspot enjoyed by people from around the world. Taking the time to learn about everything the UK has to offer and choosing your must see destinations will help make this trip unforgettable.

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UK Travel Guide: Key Destinations, Helpful Safety & Travel Tips